Rep. Paul Cook Supports National Security Authorization Bill

HR 5515, the annual national security authorization bill has passed the House with overwhelmingly bipartisan support. The final bill includes several provisions which, provide for our troops, restore military readiness and protect our national security against threats both domestically and abroad.

The bill was negotiated through both the House and the Senate and received the support of Yucaipa’s U.S. Congressman Paul Cook (R-8th District-Apple Valley). HR 5515 also includes language Rep. Cook specifically proposed including a prohibition on the acquisition of sensitive materials from China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. Rep. Cook also pushed for language that was included in the bill which highlights the Army’s need to build a large urban training center for large scale exercises to better prepare our soldiers to fight in tomorrow’s dense urban environments.

“I’m proud to have been an integral part of drafting this year’s national security bill,” Rep. Cook said. “I thank House Armed Services Chairman (Mac) Thornberry (R-Texas 13th District) for appointing me to this year’s conference committee. This bill gives our troops the support and resources they deserve and ensures that we are taking steps to ensure military readiness in the face of increased threats. This year’s national security bill also includes language I drafted to advance important projects in my district. I look forward to seeing the President sign it into law.”

HR 5515 fully funds a 2.6% pay raise for our troops, increases the size of the military and extends bonuses for service members in high-demand field. The bill also provides increased training for troops, rebuilds critical infrastructure and strengthens cyber defense and prioritizes the readiness of US Cyber Command. Additionally, the bill makes important bureaucratic reforms to ensure that our military is efficient.

Rep. Cook maintains a field office in Yucaipa at 34282 Yucaipa Blvd. The Yucaipa office phone number is 909-797-4900; please call prior to visiting the office in order to confirm hours of availability.

Elected to serve to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2012, Col. Paul Cook (ret.) is currently a member of the House Natural Resources, Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees. He served as an infantry officer and retired after 26 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. During his time in combat, he was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.